Key Figures & Themes in Spanish Romanticism
Key Figures and Themes in Spanish Romanticism
Rosalía de Castro was born in Santiago de Compostela. An important work is her book of poems entitled On the Banks of the Sar. In it, she explores Galician themes, exalts customs, explores existential pessimism, and expresses anguish and pain. She believes that love is a mirage and that the fate of every human being is loneliness.
Mariano José de Larra was born in Madrid and received an enlightened education, evolving into Romanticism. He believed that
Read More19th Century Spanish Poetry and Theater: Realism and Naturalism
Poetry in the Second Half of the 19th Century
In the second half of the nineteenth century, subjectivism diminishes (except in the poetry of Bécquer and Rosalía). New theories of poetry and poetics are published, such as those of Campoamor.
Two trends emerge:
- Ramón de Campoamor’s Prose: His work, Humoradas, features short, conceptual poetry with didactic purposes.
- Gaspar Núñez de Arce’s Rhetoricity: His poetry is declamatory and bombastic, inspired by civic and political issues. His work Gritos
Spanish Literature: Machado, Valle-Inclán, Lorca
Antonio Machado (1875-1939)
Born in Seville, Antonio Machado‘s family moved to Madrid when he was eight. He was educated at the Free Institution of Education. In 1907, he became a professor of French at the Institute of Soria. He met Leonor Izquierdo there, whom he married in 1909. Leonor died three years later. Antonio moved to Baeza, where he met Pilar Valderrama. In 1939, he went to France and died the same year.
Antonio Machado defined his poetry as a search for essentials. This search led him
Read MoreLiterary Movements: Realism and Naturalism
Realism and Naturalism in Literature
Realism (1848 – France)
Realism emerged in France in 1848 as a reaction against the idealization and escapism of Romanticism. It emphasized the observation of reality. Key features include:
- Accuracy and Objectivity: The term “realism” itself highlights the focus on accurately and objectively portraying characters and environments.
- Characters from Everyday Life: Characters are often drawn from the lower classes and depicted in a realistic manner.
- Detailed Settings:
Ireland: 7-Day Fly and Drive Itinerary
Day Fly and Drive Holiday in Ireland
Make once-in-a-lifetime memories with this trip around Ireland. See the beautiful coastline, towering cliffs, and hidden gems to discover the real Ireland.
- Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
- Departure: Rome Fiumicino Airport
- Destination: Dublin Airport
- Target: Over 50s
- Prices: From £990 per adult
- Includes: B&B, 24/7 helpline, transfer from Dublin Airport on arrival, free parking
- Does Not Include: Flights to/from Ireland, entrance to attractions, meals and drinks, personal
Shakespeare’s The Tempest: Origins, Themes, and Stagecraft
Shakespeare’s The Tempest: Origins, Themes, and Stagecraft
The Tempest was probably written in 1610–1611 and was first performed at Court by the King’s Men in the fall of 1611. It was performed again in the winter of 1612–1613 during the festivities in celebration of the marriage of King James’s daughter Elizabeth. The Tempest is most likely the last play written entirely by Shakespeare, and it is remarkable for being one of only two plays by Shakespeare (the other being Love’s Labour’s
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